Man loses right ear, part of his nose after attack by 5 pit bulls

A Socorro man loses his right ear and part of his nose after being attacked by five pit bulls.

The attack occurred at about 4:20 p.m. Friday when Armando Gutierrez, was walking around the area of the 280 block of Flor Bonita.

Gutierrez was attacked by five pit bulls and a sixth dog was involved - however Socorro City officials do not know whether the dog belonged to Gutierrez or if a neighbor came to assist.

David Garcia, spokesman for the city of Socorro said the man was taken to Del Sol Medical Center in serious condition.

"He had his right ear amputated and his nose partially amputated," Garcia said. "He also suffered from multiple severe lacerations to the face and to the back of his head."

The owner of the pit bulls, Maria Stephenson, was cited for failure to control the dogs Garcia said.

Garcia said the city of Socorro is currently working on a small animal ordinance which would restrict the number of small animals, such as dogs and cats, that an area resident could have on their lot. It also addresses vicious dogs.

"It is meant to prevent incidents like this from occurring," Garcia said.